TODD ALEXANDER ROMANO OPENS THE SHOWROOM IN THE FINE ARTS BUILDING

After seven years on Lexington Avenue, Todd Alexander Romano has moved his shop. He helped revive a sleepy little stretch along Lex into an interior design shopping destination. The space was small, so it made sense to move to spacious new digs in the Fine Arts Building, at 232 East 59th Street, joining Neirmann Weeks, Bennison, Chelsea Textiles and others.
The mix at The Showroom includes 18th and 19th Century antiques and objects, custom Italian china, the fabrics of Tillet and Northcroft, dhurries by Langham and Fine (which used to be called Irving and Fine), and Christopher Spitzmiller's vivid lamps. Romano's great color sense and collector's eye make a visit to the new space well worth it.


Romano opened his firm in 1999, and established a loyal following for his fun use of color, great upholstery shapes covered in bold prints and making antiques look great mixed with modern pieces.

With great dealers in the building it is truly one stop shopping.
Tablescapes lure you in, making everything covetable!
Coffee tables and chairs eagerly await...

Tons of pillows are tempting....
Photos Courtesy of Todd Alexander Romano
Detailed pieces mix with clean silhouettes. This is a stop you need to make!

THE GIFT GUIDE

Here is something for everyone on your list. Naughty or nice, show some love by giving gifts with some spice:


FOR THE COFFEE DRINKER
Photo Courtesy of Wedgwood USA
Diminutive and chic, Dynasty Espresso cups with a Greek key motif from Wedgwood are the way to go.

FOR THE DESIGN OBSESSED:
Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Textiles
If you follow all things design then you know Alidad, the Persian interior designer doing some of the most gorgeous interiors in London. He has an existing collection with Pierre Frey and now, embroidered pillows with Chelsea Textiles. He was influenced by 16th Century Ottoman designs. A must from Chelsea Textiles.

FOR THE CANDY CRAZY:

Photos Courtesy of Hammonds Candies
Old world Hammonds Candies out of Colorado make the best holiday candy--hands down. Their candy canes and lollipops come in luscious flavors.

FOR THE FORGETFUL:
Photo Courtesy of Michael Devine
Make a list and check it twice. With this sweet notepad and pencil cup, you will want to become a note taker. Michael Devine made accessories covered in his signature fabrics. Bagatelle in Chocolate is shown here.

FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SHOPPER:
Photo Courtesy of Graphic Image
A Leather European Shopping Guide from Graphic Image is fun even for the armchair traveler.

FOR THE WORKER BEE ON THE GO:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
Wheel through check in with style with a Large Editor Suitcase from Steamline Luggage through Vivre.


FOR THE GAME PLAYER:
Photo Courtesy of Williams Sonoma Home
Backgammon anyone? Sit by the fire and watch the snow fall outside. This is a classic every home should have, from Williams Sonoma Home.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES TO PUT EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
Distant Origins has these stunning Murano glass boxes with a metal framework. I have coveted this for years. It is a beautiful gift for someone who has everything. From Vivre.

FOR THE RUSTIC COUNTRY LOOK:
Photo Courtesy of Plait
Beautiful handwoven napkins from Plait are made in the US of 100% cotton. Plait is a chic little company started by a Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate out of Madison, Wisconsin. Order a set through Etsy.

FOR THE NEW BABY:
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
How about something permanent to decorate the nursery? Blue Tulips Wall Art is matted and framed behind acrylic in a soft white wooden frame. Frame measures 18 x 14 inches with 8 x 10 inch opening. Personalize it with initials.
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
What about a Tugboat print for the little gent? The graphics are adorable and can go trad or mod. Order yours at Jack and Lulu.

FOR THE WEE ONE:
Photo Courtesy of DWR
To give a toddler their first car, what a thrill! These retro wheels are sure to please from Design Within Reach.

FOR GRANDPARENTS:

Photo Courtesy of Two's Company
A cute picture of the grandchildren will make the elders happy. Bone frames are available from a retailer listed on Two's Company.

FOR THE NAPPER:
Photo Courtesy of Sferra
The Celine throw is pure heaven. Made of 100% brushed cotton it is the softest thing going and a great price. The subtle herringbone pattern comes in luscious colors, by Sferra.

FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS JUST MOVED:

Photo courtesy of Vellum
Bamboo bath accessories from Vellum are great for a new homeowner or to make a bathroom sparkle. Love the waste bin beside a desk.


FOR THE TRAVELLER:
Photo Courtesy of Crane
Compact and old fashioned, this leather encased clock brings it back to basics. What more do you need? Carried at Crane.

FOR THE NEWLY INTERESTED IN INTERIOR DESIGN:
Photo Courtesy of Random House
Domono: The Book of Decorating is a nice way to introduce the basics. With De Gournay wallpaper on the cover, you can't go wrong giving this book.

Photo Courtesy of Random House
This useful book takes the pages of the magazine and reorganizes them by category. You can learn decorating tricks, space saving techniques, good sources to shop from and what the fundamentals are for each room in your home.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
Learn how to pull it all together with easy to follow tips and ideas.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
The softcover makes the book look like a cute text book--it is not intimidating.
Photo Courtesy of Random House
A good gift for a newbie or a Domino dweller, through Amazon.

FOR THE LADY:
Photo Courtesy of Lunt
Use this Toast Rack from The Botanical Garden Collection for Lunt to hold monogrammed stationery on your desk or load it up with toast and use it on a breakfast tray.

Photo Courtesy of Haute Home by Jane Leider
Frilly, well-pressed linens are a heavenly gift. The girly girl often collects boudoir covers, and this will make her so happy. Or splurge and get the whole bed set from Haute Home.

FOR THE SAFARI LOVER:
You might not be in Kenya anymore, but elephants can still roam free in the sitting room. Get some big game through Mecox Garden.

FOR A SAILOR WITH ALLERGIES:
Photo Courtesy of Haute Home by Jane Leider
Drop anchor on the sniffles with this tissue box cover available through Haute Home.


FOR THE FOODIE:
Photo Courtesy of DWR
A Microplane Rock Salt Shaver is just the thing for the cook. The hottest trend since the olive oil craze, pick one up at Design Within Reach. Salt not included, hit Dean and Deluca for that.

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF DECORATIVE OBJECTS:
Photo Courtesy of Joe Cariati
Handblown glass decanters with gorgeous stoppers from Joe Cariati are a stunning gift. Bright hues make each sinewy shape a standout. Available through Joe Cariati.

FOR COLLECTORS OF OBJETS:
Photo Courtesy of Penkhurst Ceramics
Porcelain fruits look delectable in these lux glazes. Why not get one in each color from Penkhurst Ceramics.

FOR THE HOSTESS:

Everyone needs a great tray. Set up a bar, serve with it or set it down and stack books on it. Available from a retailer listed on Two's Company.

FOR THE PARTY GIRL:
Photo Courtesy of Vivre
SuRevolution's four regal purple Tasseled Silk Napkin Rings will rock the party, through Vivre.

FOR THE PARTY BOY:
Photo Courtesy of Michael C.Fina
J L Coquet makes the most stunning shiny black crystal champagne coup. Serve Cristal or Dom in these for your New Year's toast. Available through Michael C. Fina.

FOR THE NEATNICK:
Photo Courtesy of The Laundress
Keep dry cleaning bills at bay with this little bag of helpers from The Laundress

A GREAT GIFT: HOMEMADE COOKIES WITH A LITTLE DIY

Get creative! It's time to hit the baking sheets! Crank out bulk cookies to give as gifts. Not only will it impress that they are homemade, you took the time if you wrap them well too.

Photo Courtesy of Williams -Sonoma
If you just cannot get your act together to bake from scratch, get The Gingerbread Cookie Mix from Williams- Sonoma, it makes 5 dozen.


Below are some wrapping ideas to make your gingerbread men and snowflakes shine:

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Crafts
Like traditional bakery boxes, these go one step further with the lacey motif. Iced Cookie Boxes, six in a pack from Martha Stewart Crafts.

Photo Courtesy of The Container Store
Tins are a great item that can be reused for other things after the holidays. The Signature Woodlands Tin from The Container Store gives Rudolf center stage and is just cute.

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Crafts
Food safe tissue paper adds color and makes unwrapping even more fun. Also from Martha Stewart Crafts.

Photo Courtesy of Williams- Sonoma
Cellophane bags make life easy. Show off your cookie handiwork with these from Williams-Sonoma.


Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Crafts
The sliding box resembles an over sized matchbox, but bearing sweets! Festive Treat Boxes also from Martha Stewart Crafts.

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Crafts
The Scalloped Tags come eight to a package and will look great with the red boxes shown above. Martha Stewart Crafts.

Photo Courtesy of The Container Store
These wood and felt tags have a nice heft to them, ie, good quality. Make a good gift better. Available at The Container Store.

Photo Courtesy of The Container Store
The safe traditional option shown above is a great mainstay tag to have around, also from
The Container Store

Photo Courtesy of The Container Store
Hello! Mrs. Grossmans used to make the stickers I collected as a youth. She also does tags---yeah happy childhood memories. Give a tree when words are not enough. From The Container Store.

DECK YOUR HALLS

Finding great holiday decorations is not so easy. You want to enjoy them year after year, and find things that are not too ornate, cheap or weird looking. Below is a selection of items that will make the season pretty, festive and have just enough detail. Fa la la!

STOCKINGS:
Photo Courtesy of John Robshaw
Handmade and folksy, these block printed stockings from John Robshaw are great for warm climates since they are less wintery.

Photo Courtesy of Hable Construction
Hable Construction brought a smile to all when they started doing handmade felt stockings several years ago. Each year the designs get better, and it is hard not to buy them all.

Photo Courtesy of Hable Construction
This elf with his rosy cheeks is irresistible.

Photo Courtesy of Hable Construction
Jolly Santa has some beard.

Photo Courtesy of Hable Construction
A snowman on skis is a perfect stocking for the athlete.

TREE SKIRTS:

Photo Courtesy of Arcadia Home
Embroidered edging on Arcadia Home's tree skirt is subtle and decorative without screaming Christmas. The skirts shown below are from Arcadia Home as well.

Photo Courtesy of Arcadia Home
A variety of snowflakes adorn the felt skirt shown above. Not too ornate with a simple border, this is a skirt you will be happy to put around the tree year after year.

Photo Courtesy of Arcadia Home
If you have little wonders gathered 'round your tree this season, they will certainly love this train skirt.

ORNAMENTS:
Photo Courtesy of Kate Spade
If you want a folksy 60's touch, then these ornaments are for you, available from Kate Spade.

Photo Courtesy of Cody Foster & Co.
Gilded tassels can hang from the tree or sit in a grouping down the center of the table from Cody Foster & Co.

Photo Courtesy of Hable Construction
More adorableness from Hable, these ornaments are great to give and get. This googly moose eyed and ready for more egg nog.

Photo Courtesy of Hable Construction
Mr. Gingerbread man makes many appearances this time of year--on the tree and as a cookie, he is always a cute addition.

WREATHS AND SWAGS:
Photo Courtesy of Smith and Hawken
Red berries stand out this time of year. A good option is a faux wreath like this one from Smith and Hawken

Photo Couresy of Wingard
For the mod moment, this is great for a minimal apartment. From Kenneth Wingard.

Photo Courtesy of Cody Foster & Co.
If you love French antiques and an aged patina, this wreath is great from Cody Foster & Co.

Photo Courtesy of The Magnolia Company
The Magnolia Company out of Florida makes and ships the most elegant wreaths and swags around. This Magnolia leaf wreath is perfect when you just do not have the time to make one yourself. The Magnolia Company will do 24 hour shipping--what are you waiting for?

Photo Courtesy of The Magnolia Company
Swag the banister and mantel away with a Plumosus Salal combination. Add some red ribbon and you have gorgeous! From The Garland Farm

FOR THE MANTEL:
Photo Courtesy of Two's Company
Set the room aglow with an aged mercury glass candlestick and shade combo from Two's Company. Shades create a soft glow and are good for parties when votives can easily to tip over.

Photo Courtesy of Creative Candles
The best candles around are from Creative Candles. They are nicely packaged, come in a wide range of colors, and are available online. Buy en masse so you do not run out!